Highway Heart
When I was blogging almost daily from NS4Life.com from 2005-2006, I captured hours and hours of footage that’s still in my archives. Here’s an example:
We were on our way back to London from a gig I’d done just outside of the city when we saw a car catch fire and flip over in the rear view mirror. I immediately told my driver to stop and ran to the scene of the accident. There I found a man miraculously standing on the side of the highway nursing a head wound. Having no first aid kit, I gave him the shirt I was wearing to use as a bandage. Unexpected circumstances are the norm on the road. If you know this man, I’d like to send him a copy of my album and a message thanking him for the new appreciation I have for life based on this experience.
I need to start capturing my life experiences,
things happen everyday in New York.
Thats whats up man!
That Honestly Shows That You Care About Whats Real. I Appreciate What you have done for the british people. I can’t Believe that No Other Person Was There to Do that.
I’d Love to meet you when you fly over here for the Carnival. Im not a Fan nor a Supporter. I am Your Movement. I Am What you Stand For. NS.
thats some deep stuff homie… keep doin u ! always stay humble like u are ..i know u will !
thats great!! ive been following you since forever!! I was an avid ns4life.com-er and im happy that you’re still doing big things.
Funny story: my friends and I would go past your crib in Harlem singing “Diamond Girl” daily. lmao. HS was fun!!
wow this is insane, he was lucky to be alive! I want to def. see more throwback vids.
Wow! some crash that guy was pretty lucky.
Thats was so caring bro…I’ve just become a huger fan of yours
Ryan to the rescue!
as we can see people with hearts still do exist in the world.
You Are Amazing.
I did the Same thing in ATL a few years ago too im glad that guy was ok !! ur a real dude Rles big shout out hommmie!!!
Cop that CD yall ur gurl will love u even mor3!!!
Keep setting a good example!
wow ryan, that man was trully blessed by god that day. And for you to give him your shirt, your wonderful! I really hope you find him, i know it would mean the world to him to know you still remember that day.
i witnessed a wreck right in front of my face last night comin from the club. car flipped about 6 times. 2 people ejected from the car. it was insane homie. it was soo close to hitting us. God was watching.
Dang, man Thats real cool R.les
Quote by Yamill: “wow this is insane, he was lucky to be alive! I want to def. see more throwback vids.”
Definetely agree
Damn, I would normally boast about how Ryan Leslie’s the man. But on a serious note, that was real nice of him to take the very shirt off his back and give it to that man–who’s very fortunate to be alive. Glad everyone’s ok in that accident.
WOW ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS WOW…
Wow that was crazy….
Hey Ryan, you got add “Rescue U” on your next CD. Keep the hits comin…
Beautiful Spirit! Owww !
Good things come to good people, you’re a good man!…..SpaceBoy!
Thats what you do if you care about people !!1
he’s lucky to be alive
THIS IS WHY I LOVE YOU… YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL HEART!! MUAH!!
Wow this reminds me of an accident I was in with my mother in Trinidad, I never felt so glad to be alive than during the moments after the crash…I appreciate that you posted this video as reminder to us all that you never know when your time may come, so it’s important to live every second of life richly and abundantly.
i thought you never, ever release this footage…but ok.
I admire you so much for that. It is a blessing that he survived.. Keep setting an example..
Dammm!!!! I’m from the UK and recognised that actual spot!!! The “Silverstone” sign is for the British GP! I’m a massive fan, along with the others on this site…..absolutely distraught that my cousin is getting married on the weekend of the carnival so I can’t make it…..are you gonna be touring the UK any time or shall I tell my cuz to rearrange the wedding?!?!!?
God bless you Ryan.
Oh Ryan, you have a heart of gold*
wow… so many people run away from accidents because they don’t want to be bothered or involved… or slow down to roll by & gawk. that was awesomeness right there!
I hate to critique, but don’t you think you pouring it on a little thick. I commend your given admiration, yet I’m beginning to think more of you being a performer than an artist. You tend to be very over complaisant and showy. It’s as if you flout through life and have developed this potboiler style in which you choose and use to win your fans. I wonder if you can sleep at night holding the effrontery. I understand one side and that is the side of subvention, yet the other side scares me because I feel that you will begin to become diaphanous and forget that what is loved about you is not for your own personal pleasure.
good man
That conversation could not have been that heated or deep because any man/woman that wants to be worthy of being a sense of collective identity can not possible identify with his/herself. If at some point an individual becomes a sensitivity to those around them especially a particular situation they should rethink their position and not transpire positivity or negativity, but make clear to the public eye that their awareness is because of those around them and not because of what they do or have done.
Honestly, I had no idea you were such a great guy until today. I was on twitter and had seen your tweet so i clicked on the link . I started looking through your website because i had never been on it before. And all i have to say is you’re a great and humble dude. Its something I aspire to be. Keep up the good work though!
I won’t repeat what everyone else has said already…God Bless!
u have a beautiful spirit!!!!
aawww….that was such a thoughtful thing to do! No wonder why everyone loves u!
xxx
.K.
yo that was a good look God always bless people like ur self willing to help people in need…
Ryan is always for the PEOPLE..Good stuff
Maria
Ryan Leslie…God Bless
merci ryan leslie
tu es tres tres gentil et tu as un grand coeur.
Au plaisir de te voir a Orlando le 24 Juin 2oo9
Mounssef et Mohamed
WOW!!!! Dude i know i always say this but You Rock!!!! on the real Not er body would have did what u did nd Im glad that er bdy is ok @ the end of the Day/Nyt
Keep up the Good Work!!!
R.Les 4 pReZz……
You have such a beautiful spirit.
God Bless you!
And I definitely want to see more throwback vids, I miss those times.
Love your work man, but it’s dubious as to how legitimate, and ethical this is to post on your site. I mean, sure you did a good dead, sure it was a moment of compassion to a fellow human being, but then getting your videographer to edit it, into a branding exercise for Ryan Leslie the artist just didn’t sit well with me. I labelled this a branding exercise 1) because it had a R Les beat over it at the end, 2) the NS logo, 3) it was clearly edited for the R les site.
**Still love your work**, and think you are tops, but just don’t dig this video. I dig the show of care and compassion, just not the whole vibe of the video on a website used to promote your work.
@ Sparkaline Kelly………really what are you on about? I understand that this is not a good video to use as promotional material but doesn’t it show a more compassionate side to the artist? that streach of the motorway is a very busy one…….did you see anyone else stopped on the road?
Are all artists not performers?
Judging by some of the comments that have been left on here i hope that you (Ryan) are more careful in the video footage you release and type of editing that is done to those videos because not everyone is reseptive……..personally i doubt you used this video to promote your work…and would love to see more of your old videos
@ Sadi………My dear it’s clear in your response that your feeling as if he is doing the damn thing a little much as well. What type of video would you post if you were in his position? Me it would be about my skills, talents and what I do as an artist. If he wants to be seen as something other than an artist then star in SmallVill, other than that post a video that shows him making a video to a new hit or what he has been doing in the studio. Isn’t this a prime example of how these sites get baned or a bad reputation. He should know exactly what I’m talking about. Still it’s just that, many fans are too receptive and with eyes wide shut will stray. Mr. Leslie needs to be careful in noting his agenda or can become a part of what is appalling. No! All artist are not performer they have tutors. Some tutors find their pupils to be nuisance. Mr. Leslie has been brought and has been lead down a great road of success, it is only fair that he does the exact same leading.
AMAZING
Wow, you literally gave him the shirt off your back. That was very kool of you, Ryan. I’m glad everybody was alright. On a lighter note, man that superhero song at the end was hot.
I honestly wasn’t expecting to be grooving at the end of a video about a car accident.
You are truly one of the most amazing artists out there! I have soo much respect for you than I do all the others!
Why isnt the whole world like u. I have a big respect 4u!
God Bless you Ryan, that was so wonderful!!
Beautiful
God Bless
I am so glad that you were there for him. Everything happens for a reason and obviously God wanted to place you there at that moment. Thank goodness that man walked away. That looks pretty intense.
dat was wonderful Leslie God bless!!!
Ryan is the man!!!! respect!! that was amazing with the song Rescue U at the end…
You are truly beautiful…Your music is only a reflection of the love for life u hold within.
He shouldn’t be too hard to track down. Pause the vid at 15s. License plate is:
Y796 MDB
Please!!! Please release rescue u on the next album its the greatest song i’ve ever heard and that uve created i heard it back in jan 09 and its june 09 now 6 months and still keep playing it again and again on my mp3 PLEASEE RELEASE!!! Thanks
@Sparkaline..Interesting point of view Sparkaline…where I agree that this is not good promotional material, Ryan talks of this as ‘life experiences’ put yourself in that situation would you have known what to do or have had the courage to stop?
An Artist is a Performer in my view, they perform to keep their fans happy and to keep the dollars rolling in! You don’t see an artist’s actual personality in public it’s all a performance to keep people and management happy….
Here Ryan has given us all an insight of what happen to him one night in a different country and how he decided to stop and help…I didn’t see the injured guy plugging an album. It was in true bad taste to have the ‘album out in store’ or whatever at the end of the video, because if this is a life experience that’s what it should stay as.
An artist may be seen as a tutor because there are many impressionable fans out there, but in this case won’t they be inspired to stop and help out instead of walk on by in someone’s time of need? This is inspirational material and gives us a better insight in to Ryan Leslie ‘Man who did Not Panic!’ because trust me even as someone trained in 1st aid it is still easy to forget what to do when you see someone covered in blood.
I’d like to see more videos that show a day in the life of Ryan Leslie….at the end of the day I didn’t buy his album for his video blog I bought it because I Love his music.
@Sadia……….I HATE IT! It makes me sick. Thank you I feel the same about your points also. It should make people wonder about his promotional tactics. The reason I claim the difference between an artist and a performer is this: an artist stays behind the scenes until someone discovers him/her still first, the talent is discovered then the individual behind that talent. After the discover is found the artist lets his/her work do the talking. Can you see where I’m heading? If not allow me to continue. A performer is simply someone who lets his performance speak for him/her they put on a show, thus the word showy, and they act to grab the audience’s attention. When the audience is amused they clap and cheer and say things like; “Jolly Good Show Fellow!” Yes! dear, I would have stopped, but cut the cameras, called an ambulance, sat and waited, gave the man some water and then asked if there was anything else I could do before I depart. I might have even given him my number so that we could be friends not co-stars for a video and hit single or CD. You and others must understand the key word and that is “LIFE” its not a movie, its real. If in the end others are inspired how do you think that it will play out? Maybe they will dress up in tights with capes and consider themselves superhero’s and fight crime all around the world Yeah! Ya Think?
thats what everyone should do….help other people…Mr. Leslie god bless
i hate to sound rude ryan .. by how long ago was this? i check your site all the time and i never heard about a london gig !
your the king of online music buzz but i think your missing a trick.
with all our information on facebook etc .. can you not message/ email us when you in our given town/ country.
i know that wasnt the point of the video but im just disappointed to have missed out on a gig.
btw out the blue is a banger – that tune could of been on thriller !!
forget all comments ( apart from the out of the blue bit ) in my above post – my teacher said i never read the questions properly in exams….
forget wat all these guys are saying when u do somethin bad ppl hate u when u do somethin good ppl hate u even more cuz they’re jealous do us all a favour and release “rescue u” on the next lp im still gonna listen to ur music if these snitches aren’t remember rescue u next album please please
you’re a angel god sent
hey does anyone know if Leslie is touring the UK ?
O my goodness! That was an amazing gesture of kindness!! I just want to say I absolutely love your music. Your sound sticks out more than any other artist I listen to. (in a good way) lol. I also like the fact that you can play various types of instruments because it shows that you are very, very talented!! Keep doing what you do and making GREAT music
I believe that sometimes we are allowed to witness things that involve others, but are meant especially for us. He is very lucky to be alive, and, I’m sure, grateful for your helping hand. Now, what did this experience mean to you and how has it altered your perception of life?
WOW!
GOOD! I see where back in the studio, what? Cooking. I like to eat, better yet, I love to eat and have a heavy craving for musical chefs. Ha! Where do I come up with it. I be cracking myself up with the shit! Listen I like you there don’t let me have to get out again, I might not get back in. I might not even want to. You have everything I ever wanted keep it this and that way. Damn, I don’t know. Have a wonderful time, be careful also very. I’m going to soak in a scented bath and wait for you there. Don’t keep me by running the streets have a seat and when it’s time and the mood has been set by R-Les I’ll move to :;;$&&://#%%^^>€|¥{}£+ all over you.
Ryan this is why your an inspiration to so many people. You have an energy that’s contagious. Keep up the great work! oh, another thing you always give great advice.
Thanks
Ahmad/Abstract Attractions::.
You are such an inspiration to me.
God Bless
MAN I LIVE RIGHT ROUND THE CORNER FROM THERE!
THAT WAS AMAZING MAN, YOU’RE A TROOPER.
what a G.
Ryan, when is your next show in NYC?
COME TO CHICAGO!!!!! Somewhere where younger people can go, last couple times you came here it was like 21+ to get in. I’d LOVE to see you live.
We live on a planet surrounded by humans, however, we rarely see the essence of humanity. Your musical beast and from what i have read, your intelligent. i don’t know u personally but i sense that u truly GET IT!!!! u value the talents granted to u from the man above and using them in positive ways. i wish u HEALTH to continue and complete your life’s purpose…lots of respect all the way from Medellin, Colombia aka “Paradise on Earth”
WHERE ARE U IN PARIS ? CAN WAIT TO SEE U !!!
This was touching. The fact that you’re down to earth makes me admire you so much more.
i really hope that you’re that down to earth & humble person you seem to be. apparently you did your best to help a stranger in trouble. thats very honorable, tho it shouldn’t be something special to stop and help. rock on ryan
Encourage les gens a ce connecter sur http://ryanleslie.com ce garçon est un génie et mérite d’être connu ! ou sur sa page facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/ryanleslie?ref=ts !!! gros bisous a tous !
seriously ? you are in Paris ? where it ? you’re are genius ! remain as you are ! you are perfect ! XoXo….
awwwwe your soo a really nice guy.
mad <3 for you even more now
WoW!
what a G!!!!
dopeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
hi … This weekend is the end of music festival in Paris ! I would like to know if you go to participate ? if yes !
or ? and when ?
Sorry for my English ! I am French … bye
@ laura075paris (twitter)
hey man just gotta say you are a great person… keep being urself
Serious. that sign you run past is the exit for my town. The fact you went to help, that’s REAL TALK right there.
hey ryan are u in london
Just bought tickets yesterday. See you in cleveland
i think that was awesome…..even though he tried to shake with a bloody hand…but im glad you werent just a rubber necker and just passed the car =T
it’s you my guardian angel !!! Finally I would ! =D
I tried to inspire you… but you understand the French ? because my English is very bad !
My guardian angel is my best friend because he watches all the time about me, protect me, because it is the only one that happens to make me laugh and comforted me when its wrong ! Because I know I could always count on him because whatever happens it will always be there for me! Because it does not judge me, to form what others may think of him or me!
I hope you have everything ! lol =D
Told me if you still need help !
@laura075paris (twitter) ! bye and good luck for your song…
i cried when i saw this, will you please marry me!!?!?!?!?! i love you!!!!!
AMAZING!!!!! your such a good person ryan!!! luv u nd yr music!!!
abbey road studios in london maybe????
I almost cried….that really shows what kind of person you are. They arent many people that would run to the aid of someone they dont know, even those in the medical field. And then to give the shirt off your back was even more extraordinary of you. Things like that set people apart and God really shines on those that look out for others. This is why you will be blessed beyond measure.
You were looking for inspiration for your song Guardian Angel, I believe that you didnt have to look any futher than the mirror. Especially after this video. May God continue to bless everything you touch, sir.
Hey Ryan, we look forward to seeing you visit Full Sail this week. We all here are very excited to see you. Keep up the hard work.
-Bill
Hey I heard that you coming down to Orlando this week to do a show at The House of Blues, but I’m not sure what the reason was for not coming to visit Full Sail University (even for a quick tour). Is it because our students couldn’t afford your price, or because we’re not from your Alma Mater? I thought that was one of the socially responsible actions that artists that have already made do: Give back to the students that are aspiring to do what you’re out there doing. We support you and what it is that you’re doing (hence there is a large number of students who have bought tickets just to see you). It’s ok though, we understand, you have a lot to do and we wish you the best. Just thought I’d ask…
People run around day to day thinking about themselves and living in their bubble no even taking the time to notice the world we live in, but in one moment that can change and that was yours. It is truly a nice thing to see when an artist you admire and respect takes time out for us normal people regardless of how famous or rich they may be. Thankyou for your music it has got me through difficult times and in the one parent stuggle made a difference in many ways
much love
Mr. Leslie! It truely is an honor and blessing to be able to see that there is still brilliant, genius, down-to-earth people in the music industry. I can’t fully express the influence your music and personality has had in my life. I would like to thankyou for being the kind of person you are and what you have done to music and inspiring many upcoming musicians. I am just starting on my journey into music although i’m still saving up for a good recording keyboard, but hopefully one day i will acquire one and rock it like you do! Keep on doing your thing, good luck in all of your life’s endevaors, and thanks for being THE role model! Be sure to swing by Michigan sometime
Your a good man..
I say what everyone else has said but summed up in one. May God Bless you for just being a good person. Your gift will inspire and reach many.. continue to do great things. Besitos!
Ryan Leslie. you are truly a blessing to the people you come across in you life in many ways other than just through your music. I pray God continues to bless you and keep you safe in His love and care.
top man
Les man… you remind me of Barack for some reason. I can hear your music and see your life thru videos and just feel soo hopeful. You inspire me not only musically, but “lifely”. Like one of the greatest role models in existence. Need more people like you!! much success, can’t wait til the fall.
Hey Everyone,
Checkout this link:
http://www.bet.com/Specials/betawards09/betawards09_nominees/betawards09_nominees_bestmale
I know this vote will have no impact on the overall winner, but we need to show some support for our man!! 2% of you think that he will win the award for Best Male!! only 2%?!? Ryan has more fans than that and deserves a lot more recognition than he recieves from the music industry!!
So get on to that site and show your support!!
It’s about time you started to utilize all the great footage you have on hand
Oh my Gosh that was very noble of you but you seem like that type of character. I will be attending your concert in ATLANTA 6/25 can’t wait…
Be blessed!
Thats why your my idol man! true hero!
ryan leslie, one of a kind.
keep the videos posted.
Wow, another reason for me to respect you immensely as an artist.
Ryan what made u stop did u see the accident or just saw the car, but either way that was amazing for u to stop I thought rich people never had any time to do things like that and just give money to charities and expect the public to go all hype over them,
that was truly a noble and humble thing to do, Bruver ( I use the capital B for a reason) I rate u more for what u did that day, and have always admire and love your music which has inspired me a lot, but that just helped me to look at people like yourself in a different light! I respect u with up most now! you wer truly the good samartian that day and was a very good example for all of us most importantly.
from s*u*p*r*e*m*e
ryan, why havn’t you released this track? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iG_gP2Jp4U – you must be crazy if you dont……
oh man that was a life experience.. alot of respect towards you to stop and go help…not much to say but alot of respect to you man…keep the music going..i’m trying meet you at the up…
With the loss of legends the likes of Barry White, Luther Vandross, James Brown and now Michael Jackson, good music is few and far between, you keep the torch alight as a true sign of your love for music…Keep up the good work and God bless you and all those representing…
RYAN U NEED 2 MAKE A MJ TRIBUTE SONG!!!
You’re too cool. My mom met you in VA! I saw the pics…I almost didn’t believe her. I gave up going to the concert for visiting fam in ATL, but I really wish I could’ve let you hear my verse to what could be the “Diamond Girl Remix.” Here’s my mom lol – http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=8wikd5&s=5
Simply great Ryan. Didn’t know you can dance like the king. Thank’s for sharing all this man.
People can say what they want Ryan….But i kno ur a real dude and u keep it 100 in whatever u do…This is a perfect example of how God is using u to touch the lives of every person u meet and it shows! Stay on the path of good and continue to give brotha! Its truly an inspiration to many in more ways than u know….
How considerate .
Most of us would have kept past the accident.
Simply amazing. Its rare that a celebrity can put aside their status and lend a helping hand to a fellow person who is in need. This video made me an evern bigger fan.
THiS GOES 2 SHOW U THAT NO MATTER HOW WORLD WiDE KNOWN U ARE THAT WHEN U SEE SOMETHiNG LiKE THiS iT MAKES U REALiZE THAT U CAN ALWAYS HELP A FELLOW MAN iN NEED SOME [FAMOUS] PEOPLE WOULD HAVE PROBABLY KEPT GOiNG [U NEVER KNOW] AND iT ALSO MADE ME REALiZE NO MATTER HiGH UP U ARE U CAN ALWAYS COME BACK DOWN
Ryan, I love your work… keep it up. One of my favorite videos/tracks from your album is IRINA. I especially like the videos and pictures. Russian and Eastern European women are amazing. If you want to learn more about meeting and dating Russian Women, Eastern European Women, Latin Women or foreign women in general, check out these websites:
http://www.globaldatingrevolution.com
http://www.travelguideformen.com
this is one of the nicest things i’ve seen in my life!
I actually live about half an hour away from where that accident took place!
That shows incredible kindness and sincerity on your part Ryan. Something which is lacking in this day and age.
DAMN MAN THAT WAS SOME REAL SHIT .. I DONT KNOW TO MANY PEOPLE WHO WOULD HAVE DONE THAT …..
Wow!! Not alot of people would have done something as selfless as you have! you should be proud of who you are and what you are. You will be Blessed. you are amazing.
Greetings from Germany (europe)!
I`d always hear RnB and hip hop,
But the last few years has abated,,
UNTIL HE CAME
MR. RYAN LESLIE
thank you for the beautiful music.
damn, you make me want to flip my car over on the side of the highway, just so you could come to my rescue…. Well maybe not exactly flipping my car, but the thought did come to mind……SMILE
Much love and more respect
It always feels great to help someone and be a Good Samaritan:)
when i saw this video, i connected my facebook to the website right away, youv inspired me, and i would have never thought someone rich and famous such as yourself would have swallowed their pride and gone out their way to help someone in need like that. you have my upmost respect and i admire your courage.
A tee shirt inspired by Mr.Leslie..
http://www.iamliterati.com/shop/literati-shop-woman-diamond-girl-black.html
Hope he likes it!
your soo sweet
How sweet! He is a lucky person –not just to survive the accident but to get Ryan’s shirt and heart. I wonder if he ended up receiving the copy of the album.